The Renovation Journey of a 1940’s ‘Traditional’ to 2015 ‘Contemporary, Green & Gorgeous’

Gorgeous Green Dream Kitchen

It’s a cliche that the kitchen is the heart of the home. For families who love to cook and eat together, though, it is true. After many years of cooking (often alone) in a kitchen separate from the rest of the house I was excited about designing a space that was more open plan, with the main cooking and prepping area integrated with the dinning and lounge, but with a scullery area tucked out of sight.

View from dining room/lounge

I trust you will agree, that even if you have no interest in the green stuff, this is a beautiful kitchen. You know you’re getting the green info any way, so here goes:

We chose bamboo for the cabinetry as it is the most extraordinary sustainable product. It grows up to 10 cm per day (is actually a grass) and is as hard as nails by the time it is processed into a ‘plank’. A far greener option than any wood you could choose. Better still, it has been heat processed to give it this gorgeous caramel colour, which will never scratch off like a stain/coloured varnish. So for those of you who have been put off all the ‘blonde’ bamboo that’s mostly available this other option may be of interest. Darryn Kemper from Woodkraft Kitchens did the installation. Wonderful precision craftmanship, thank you Darryn, it was a joy watching you work!

Bamboo cabinetry edges close up

I love the way the lamination is visible on the edges of the panels and doors – proudly announcing that this is a special material!

Composte work surface with 60% recycled content

We found this fabulous work top product from Samsung. It has aproximately 60% recycled content in it. Natural granite is hard pressed to compete for beauty and no hillsides have been demolished in the process. This particular composite has unusual copper coloured flecks in it – a beautiful tie-in to the colour of the bamboo. Tracey and her team from Flintstone Granite and Marble did a wonderful job on the installation. Lots of tricky elements and cut outs all executed beautifully.

Recycling bins

We thought long and hard about the re-cycling storage. At one point we were thinking about ‘post boxes’ to outside bins. This could have led to a lot of broken glass so we went more conventional with large pull out drawers with off-the-shelf plastic bins lined with the bags that they go to the re-cycling depot in. I’ve made the bags out of large feed sacks simply by sewing on handles. Works like a charm.

Worm food drawer

After years of having containers with the worm food (vegetable, fruit cuttings) sitting on bowls on the counter top a special drawer was planned to scoop the peelings into as we go. Far less unsightly.

Scullery area, small induction geyser under sink

We were also concerned about heating water and really wanted to stick to installing one solar geyser in the house. The kitchen is at the furthermost point from the geyser which would not really have been practical as heat would have been lost over the distance. Our solution was this tiny induction geyser that sits under the sink. It heats only 10L at a time, more than enough for a sink of dishes. Perfect!

All the appliances are energy efficient. Shop around and ask all the specific questions. It is not just the expensive brands that do green appliances. I am particularly thrilled with the induction hob. After being a confirmed gas lover for many year (instant heat) I wasn’t easily convinced that it would work as well. I am delighted to report that the heat is quicker, hotter and ‘off’ quickly to. It is so easy to clean and ‘disappears’ into the work surface. Best of all uses very little electricity, so it made sense as we are generating our own, not to bring another non-renewable product into the home.

Induction hob

The taps are also cleverly designed to minimize water use.. Grohe have a wonderful range of water wise sanware to choose from.

The splash back has no green credentials, but for those that are interested it is not mirror but brown glass painted black on the back which makes it somewhat reflective. A beautiful final touch!

Bonus pic: Dendrobium aggregatum growing on Bridelia next to verhanda

This kitchen is a joy to cook in and we look forward to many many years of feeding family and friends from the beautiful space.

9 thoughts on “Gorgeous Green Dream Kitchen”

I like you kitchen cabinetts. I would have never guessed that they were bamboo. They look like teak. I wish more products were available that were made of bamboo. Great job on designing a kitchen that is Energy saving, practical and functional as well!
Honey

Thanks Honey. I am noticing more and more bamboo products in South Africa. Recently towels, chop sticks, kitchen utensils like chopping boards, spatulas and even a colander. My sense is the trend will grow as it is sooooo much cheaper to produce than wood.

Hi Peter. Good question. Unfortunately it is all currently imported into South Africa. I was hoping to find a local producer but although some farmers are growing bamboo there are more interested in the bio-diesel opportunity. Huge gap in our local market as the stuff grows very easily here.

What do I think?? I think it is absolutely gorgeous!!!! Wow, I tried to imagine it in the building stages, I had a similar vision, but this is quite something! Is really superb!! Happy cooking and entertaining! One question – the geyser below the sink – should the materials be next to it?? Even though they are green, would the heat not disturb the properties?? Well Jane, Greg, a wonderful job!! Can’t wait to see your beautiful new home, when I am next in Durbs. Congratulations, on a long battle to get this far 🙂 Lots of love xxx